Taliban allows men to beat their wives as long as they don’t break bones or leave open wounds
Authorities of the Taliban in Afghanistan have issued a strict new decree that has raised serious concerns among human rights groups around the world. The new rules allow men to beat their wives as long as they do not break bones or leave serious wounds. The decree also says that sodomy can be punished by death.
Human rights activists say the law will make life more dangerous for women and reduce their chances of getting justice. Afghan women’s rights activist Mahbouba Seraj said that the decree gives men almost complete control over women. She said a husband’s word may now be treated as law.
The decree was reportedly issued earlier but only recently became known internationally after it was leaked to the Afghan rights group Rawadari. The document was originally written in Pashto and later translated into English by the Afghanistan Analysts Network.
Some punishments described in the decree had already been practiced since the Taliban returned to power in 2021 after the withdrawal of the United States and its allies. However, this is the first time these rules have been officially written and organized into a formal legal code.
The Taliban says that its decisions follow Islamic Sharia law. According to the decree, if a husband beats his wife severely enough to cause broken bones or open wounds, he may receive only 15 days in prison.
Critics say the law will make it very difficult for women to report abuse. In Afghanistan, women are not allowed to leave home without a male guardian, and in court a woman’s testimony counts as only half that of a man.
Since the Taliban returned to power, many restrictions have been placed on women. Women are banned from most jobs outside the home, and millions of girls cannot attend secondary school or university.
The United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk warned that the decree encourages violence and discrimination. He said the situation in Afghanistan is extremely serious and that women and girls face severe oppression.
The decree also includes punishments for criticizing Taliban leaders. Anyone who insults Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada can receive lashes and prison time.
Human rights groups say the new rules violate basic international standards of justice and equality.
Edited using generative AI tools.
Source https://edition.cnn.com/2026/03/01/asia/taliban-afghanistan-domestic-violence-legal |
